Short answer: Not on your card alone. Your spouse or registered partner can come at the same time if they meet the requirements and apply for their own Opportunity Card at the same German mission, which also adds 1 point to your score. Otherwise, they can apply to join you once you have qualified work and a residence permit.
Checked: November 2026.
Many people plan the move as a couple. The good news: the rules give you two clear routes, and you can plan for both from the start.
Can my spouse come on my Opportunity Card?
No. The Opportunity Card is a personal residence permit for job seekers, and it does not bring a spouse or partner with it. Make it in Germany says this in its official questions and answers on the Opportunity Card.
There are two ways to be in Germany together: apply at the same time, each with your own card, or plan for your spouse to join once you have qualified work.
How can we apply together?
Your spouse or registered partner applies for their own Opportunity Card, at the same time and at the same German mission as you. They meet the same requirements as every applicant (Make it in Germany: Opportunity Card):
- a university degree, or a vocational qualification of at least 2 years that is state-recognised in the country where it was obtained
- German at A1 or English at B2
- 6 points on the points table, or a qualification fully recognised in Germany instead of points
- their own proof of funds
When your partner meets the requirements and applies at the same mission, you get 1 extra point. If you are one point short, this can make the difference. Count your points with our free points calculator.
How much money do we need as a couple?
Each of you needs your own proof of funds: €1,091 a month, which is €13,092 for 12 months (the figure since January 2025, still valid in 2026). It does not have to be savings in a blocked account. Each of you can use a blocked account, your own funds, a sponsor’s formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung), or pay from a part-time job contract or binding job offer in Germany, and you can combine these.
| What each of you needs | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | A university degree, or a vocational qualification of at least 2 years, state-recognised in the country where it was obtained |
| Language | German A1 or English B2 |
| Points | 6 points, or a qualification fully recognised in Germany instead |
| Proof of funds | €1,091 a month (€13,092 for 12 months) |
| Visa fee | €75 per application |
See every option in our proof of funds guide and the full budget in what the Opportunity Card costs.
What if my spouse does not meet the requirements yet?
Then you can go first and plan for them to follow. Once you have found qualified work and hold a residence permit for it, such as an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit, your spouse can apply to join you. The family reunification rules of that permit then apply (Make it in Germany).
In the meantime, your spouse can start German classes and get their documents ready, so the next application moves faster.
Can our children come with me?
Children can come with an Opportunity Card holder under certain conditions. The main one is that you can cover their living costs. Make it in Germany explains the details in its questions and answers, under family reunification for children.
Can my spouse work while we look for jobs?
Yes, with their own Opportunity Card. Each card holder can work up to 20 hours a week and do trial jobs of up to 2 weeks per employer while looking for qualified work. The card is valid for up to 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
Does my spouse give me an extra point?
Yes. You get 1 point when your spouse or registered partner also meets the Opportunity Card requirements and applies at the same German mission as you. It counts only when you apply together. Use our free points calculator to see whether this point changes your total.
Do we each need our own proof of funds?
Yes. Each applicant shows €1,091 a month (€13,092 for 12 months). It does not have to be a blocked account: own funds, a sponsor’s formal obligation letter, or pay from a part-time job contract or binding job offer also count, and you can combine them.
Can my spouse join me later?
Not on your Opportunity Card alone. Once you have qualified work and a residence permit for it, such as an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit, your spouse can apply to join you under the family reunification rules of that permit. Your spouse can also apply for their own Opportunity Card.
Plan your move as a couple with the facts
Our free Starter Guide walks you through the requirements, the money and the next steps, one page at a time.